In a stunning twist to an already remarkable story, veteran quarterback Philip Rivers could be set for a prolonged future in the National Football League, not on the field, but on the sidelines. The 44-year-old, who famously came out of a four-year retirement to play for the Indianapolis Colts this season, is now reportedly drawing interest for potential head coaching positions.
From Comeback QB to Coaching Candidate
According to a Sunday morning report from respected NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, multiple teams are considering offering Rivers the chance to interview for head coaching roles that may become available after the final weekend of the regular season. This development comes on the eve of 'Black Monday', the traditional day after the season ends when numerous coaching changes are announced.
Rivers' path to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. During the 2025 campaign, he answered an emergency call from the Colts after their quarterbacks, Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard, were both sidelined with injuries. Having last played in 2020, the father-of-ten and grandfather-of-one impressed observers not just with how his skills had held up, but with his dedicated attitude in returning to the professional game.
The Expanding Coaching Carousel
While only the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans currently have vacant head coaching positions, the landscape is expected to shift dramatically within hours. The Las Vegas Raiders' Pete Carroll is widely anticipated to lose his job, and there is significant pressure on Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns and Zac Taylor of the Cincinnati Bengals. Jonathan Gannon at the Arizona Cardinals is also under intensifying scrutiny, potentially widening the field of opportunities.
Rivers, who is not expected to play in the Colts' final regular-season game against the Houston Texans but will back up starter Riley Leonard, brings legitimate coaching experience to the table. Prior to his mid-season comeback, he was successfully serving as a high school head coach at St. Michael Catholic in Fairhope, Alabama.
Media Career Not a Priority
In a recent conversation with broadcaster Kay Adams, Rivers distanced himself from the suggestion that he might pivot to a media role once the season concludes. "I've not ruled it out but every opportunity that's been close to coming or has come up just hasn't felt right," he stated.
He elaborated on his motivation, highlighting the direct impact coaching allows. "The one thing I've loved since I was however old playing this game and being now as a coach is I've been able to have some impact on the score. You might be good at it, talking about it, but I have nothing to do with the outcome of this game."
This sentiment underscores a competitive drive that has clearly transitioned from the field to the coaching realm, making him a fascinating and unconventional candidate for NFL teams looking to make a change this offseason.
